Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, chronic lumbar strain, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, have resulted in a combined rating of 90 percent. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease, status post coronary artery bypass grafts, is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and cervical herniated nucleus pulposus at C5-C6, as well as his initial rating claim for CAD prior to June 18, 2018, TDIU from August 11, 2011 to June 18, 2018, and SMC based on the housebound criteria from October 1, 2018 to March 2, 2020 were denied. The Veteran's CAD was initially rated at 60 percent prior to June 18, 2018, and then increased to 100 percent effective October 1, 2018.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, heart disease, residuals of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and peripheral artery disease (PAD) due to incomplete development. The Veteran's representative requested additional records from the Philadelphia VA outpatient clinic, which were not provided in the original record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased disability ratings during the periods specified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including DJD of the left arm and ruptured bicep tendon, residuals of a right arm fracture, accelerated cataracts, Meniere's syndrome, coronary artery disease, back condition, and neck condition. The remand also includes an attempt to verify the Veteran's alleged radiation exposure during service.

The appellant withdrew his appeals for diabetes mellitus and heart disease, so the cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the denial of his claim for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Korea is presumed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment for the period beginning December 25, 2007, to prior to June 12, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are preventing him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds a remand is required to obtain updated information about his most recent employment and to request an opinion regarding the combined effects of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a heart disorder, finding no current disability related to his military service. The case is remanded for further development regarding the heart disorder claim.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is granted service connection due to herbicide agent exposure. The cervical spine disability claim was reopened and granted based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis, but the issues regarding heart disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities, hypertension, heart condition, and dyslexia (claimed as secondary to a service-connected head injury).

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities or in-service parachute jumping, and the Board denied the claim for service connection.

The appeal for service connection for a heart condition is dismissed as the Veteran has already been granted service connection. Service connection for hypothyroidism, claimed as Graves' disease, is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disabilities. The case needs further development and an addendum opinion from a VA cardiologist.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including CAD with AFIB and cardiomyopathy, hypertension, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety), erectile dysfunction, and chronic fatigue. The issues are related to the in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms.